Part 1: ADHESIVE MASTERY
This module is all about understanding what’s actually in your lash adhesive and how it works. Most artists just pick a glue and hope for the best…but knowing what’s inside it helps you figure out why your retention is good (or not) and how to fix it.
What’s in lash adhesive?
Most pro adhesives are made from three main things:
Cyanoacrylate: This is the actual glue. It starts as a liquid made up of tiny molecules (monomers) and, when it touches moisture, those molecules link together into long chains (polymers). That reaction is called polymerisation and it’s what makes your bond strong and quick to set.
Carbon Black: This is just the pigment that makes your glue black. Clear adhesives skip it (which can be better for sensitive clients) but they can feel thinner.
PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate): This gives the bond strength and flexibility so the glue doesn’t turn brittle and snap as the set grows out.
How it works
Think of cyanoacrylate like a tray of tiny beads. The moisture in the air is the string. Once they meet, they connect into a bracelet. That’s your bond. Because moisture triggers the reaction, your room’s humidity and temperature will completely change how your glue performs.
Why you need to know this
If you know what’s in your adhesive, you can:
Match your glue to your working speed and environment.
Avoid retention problems caused by brittle or expired bonds.
Have a backup clear adhesive for sensitive clients.
